Rod

Your rod must have the strength to throw large, wind resistant flies. It should be able to stand up to bone-jarring strikes and t have the backbone to stop a fish freight-training for cover. Rods should be 8-1/2 to 9 feet long and be constructed of high modulous graphite for fast action. While a 9-weight rod is suitable for smaller peacocks, you’re better with a 10- or 11-weight because of the size of the flies necessary to tempt these fish. Considering the remoteness of the fishing locations, you’ll want to bring several back-up rods in case of breakage.

Reel

Any quality saltwater reel should suffice, as long as it has a smooth drag and matches the appropriate line weight for the rod, along with an additional 200 yards of 20-pound backing. Keep the reels clean and lubricated with a good grease that won’t “bleed” in high temperatures. Keep a backup reel or two handy in case some are put out of commission.

Line

To be properly equipped, one should carry a quality weight forward floating line; an intermediate sink tip for subsurface presentations and (for those rare situations where you find deepwater oriented fish) possibly a full sinking fly line. Choose a line that will not go limp in extreme heat. Having these lines on backup reels will allow you to make quick adjustments depending on the conditions you will encounter.

Leaders

Peacocks are not leader shy, so build your leaders to hold the fish. Peacocks are not leader shy, so build your leaders to hold the fish. You can use big-game saltwater rigs, similar to those used for tarpon. Basic construction should include a heavy butt section, loop ended for joining the leader. The leader itself should be tied with Bimini twists. A short, heavy shock tippet, of 30-40 pound monofilament tied to the fly will provide protection from the peacock’s abrasive teeth, as well as rocks, bruch and other heavy cover. In recent years, experienced fly anglers have switched to 30-40 pound fluorocarbon leader. It offers a thinner diameter than monofilament, and is typically more abrasion resistant and invisible underwater.

Flies

Peacocks are generally not finicky or discriminating, but like most gamefish they will sometimes gravitate towards certain sizes and colors while ignoring other offerings. So come well-stocked with both topwater and subsurface flies in various shapes, sizes and colors.

The most successful flies are larger profiled patterns - all tied on 3-0 and 4-0 quality saltwater hooks - such as Dahlberg-style divers, large profiles baitfish patterns, High-Tie or variations of Lefty's Deceivers. Natural materials are appropriate, but the new synthetics available seem to hold up better in the conditions you will be fishing.

When fishing subsurface fly patterns, the materials should contain a reflective material, such as Krystal Flash or Flashabou, as they give a more life-like appearance to these baitfish patterns. Attach the fly to the shock tippet with the use of any loop knot, such as the Homer Rhode bonefish loop knot.